Impressions After 15,000 km
A motorcycle that balances between the world of enduro and ADV – the KTM 690 Enduro R has taken me across hundreds of kilometers of TET routes, through mountains, sand, and mud. After 15,000 km I can say one thing – this is not a machine for everyone, but if you know what you are looking for, it can take you where no other motorcycle will be able to.
Why did I choose the KTM 690 Enduro R?
After tearing a ligament in my knee, I had to switch to something lighter than my Yamaha Tenere 700. The T7 stays with me – it is a wonderful motorcycle for long trips – but in heavy terrain, its weight used to wear me down. I wanted a motorcycle that would let me ride with full confidence, not with the feeling that I was fighting for my life on technical sections.
Friends let me ride the 690 as well as a Husqvarna. I tested a few other motorcycles, but it was the KTM that gave me a sense of stability and control. The Husky tempted visually, but I felt that the KTM’s geometry suited me better. Even though both motorcycles are based on the same components, for some reason the KTM feels more agile to me, as if the steering control were smoother. It is probably a combination of several small factors, but the final impression can be different. The choice was simple – the 690 became my new expedition base.
First riding impressions
The LC4 engine is a thumper with character. Powerful, aggressive, yet surprisingly flexible. On the road it gives a feeling of full control – you can ride it calmly or open it up and feel that it really has a lot to offer.
The 690 immediately inspires confidence – it handles lightly, is agile, and in terrain you can feel a huge difference compared to large adventure bikes. Every kilometer reinforced my conviction that this was exactly the machine I needed.
Impressions in different conditions
On rocky trails
In Romania or Bosnia, the KTM showed its class. Rocks, sharp climbs – the 690 behaves predictably, and the suspension absorbs irregularities well. This season I completed some of the most difficult off-road sections I have faced so far and despite that, over 15k km my KTM has not gone down even once. This is evidence that the KTM 690 Enduro R offers a huge advantage over heavier ADV-class motorcycles. It is also proof that this design allows for excellent control, and low weight works to your advantage at every moment of the ride.
In deep sand
Sand verifies every motorcycle. The 690 handles it very well – the single-cylinder power pulls you out of trouble, and the lower weight allows better control of the riding line. However, you need to know how to use it – sand does not forgive mistakes, and the KTM will not ride for you, but it will allow you not to fight but to enjoy riding in the sand. And this is a type of fun I had never experienced before on any ADV motorcycle!
On my KTM I ride almost always sitting down – even in sand! For me, unthinkable on a big ADV. The low weight and steering damper changed my approach to off-road riding. More riding seated = less fatigue and longer routes.
In mud
Mud is always a fight. With good tires, the KTM goes confidently, but long, slippery climbs will still be a challenge. The lightweight construction gives an advantage, however – it is easier to maneuver, react faster, and you lose less energy when something goes wrong.
On grass and meadows
On wet grass or meadows, the KTM handles stably. The frame and ergonomics provide a sense of control, and the lightness means you do not have to wrestle with the motorcycle. In such conditions, confidence in handling is key – and the 690 delivers it.
On asphalt
The 690 is not a touring bike. On the highway, vibrations appear that can be annoying, but only if we have recently been riding a twin-cylinder motorcycle. The KTM 690 Enduro R is equipped with a balance shaft that effectively reduces vibrations. They are much milder than on competing single-cylinder bikes.
Rides of several hundred kilometers are no problem for this motorcycle, provided that the seat is replaced. I will describe this in more detail in the post about modifications and accessories, but in short – Seat Concepts – no gel modifications, knock-offs, or overlays.
Tires and suspension
The stock Mitas Enduro Trail should be replaced immediately with a more aggressive tread. The KTM 690 Enduro R must run knobby tires. Dual-sport tires often work for me on heavier ADV bikes, but with the power and weight of the 690, dual-sport tires are not grippy enough. In my opinion, the best knobby construction is offered by the Mitas Enduro Trail XT+. This Dakar-proven combo is second to none.
The stock WP suspension is solid, but it needs to be set up for the rider. In stock form, it was too soft under load. After adjusting the clickers, the motorcycle became predictable and even more confident in handling.
What would I change in the KTM 690?
The 690 in stock form is a great enduro, but if you want to do long-distance expeditions, modifications are necessary. But I will write about that in detail in the next post.
Reliability and servicing
The 690 has a reputation as a maintenance-demanding motorcycle – and there is some truth to it. This is not a Japanese bike that you service “from time to time.” KTM requires regular maintenance. After 15,000 km, I have not had any serious failures – the key is to stick to service intervals and not to save on servicing. Then the 690 repays you with reliability.
Availability and parts prices
KTM is not cheap – both to buy and to run. Parts and accessories can be more expensive than those from Japanese competitors. But in return, you get enormous aftermarket support. You can build a motorcycle perfectly tailored to you. Flexibility and personalization are the real strengths of the 690.
I bought my KTM 690 Enduro R at the Wojciechowicz dealership – https://ktmsklep.pl/
And on this occasion, I have for you:
10% discount on parts and accessories at ktmsklep.pl
The 10% discount code at ktm-sklep.pl applies to the following categories: KTM® Parts Finder × KTM Parts Kits × Original PowerParts × PowerWear Exclusions: WP Performance Systems × Software × Exhaust Systems × Special PowerParts Kits
Link to the discount at ktmsklep.pl
KTM Shop parts finder
Personally, whenever I need to buy something for my KTM, I use the parts finder at KTM Shop. You can select your motorcycle and find parts using interactive diagrams. And best of all, you can add products directly to the cart!
Summary – Who is the KTM 690 for?
The KTM 690 Enduro R is a machine whose full potential will only be used by a conscious rider who understands the compromises they must accept. This machine gives a kind of freedom that is hard to find elsewhere.
For me, the 690 became the perfect exploration tool – light, powerful, and highly moddable. It is a bridge between the world of enduro and ADV. If your goal is TET routes, mountains, and wild trails, and you treat asphalt only as a transfer, the KTM 690 Enduro R may be the best choice currently available on the market.
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